What do you do when you are driving down the busy high way and all of a sudden this check engine light
pops on unexpectedly? Well, first of all don't panic. It could be a very simple solution to fix or, it can also be something very drastic. Let me explain what I mean here. Your power control module, (PCM) is the main computer which controls how your car operates as far as power, performance, and gas consumption. The PCM monitors and regulates various sensors through out your car's engine. When ever your vehicle's check engine light comes on, your computer has picked up a problem with your engine control system. It is then designed to alert the driver there is a problem. At this point you need to determine if the car is drivable and will get you to a service station or possibly home. You would want to drive the car a few miles and see if you notice or smell any type of dangerous gas smells or fuel vapors. If this is the point then call a tow truck immediately and stop driving! You do not want to drive that vehicle any further and put your life at risk. On the other hand if you think the car is drivable then, watch your other gauges such as the temperature, battery, and oil pressure to make sure you see no irregularities. In my experience if I don't smell gas or see excessive smoke coming from the engine or tail pipe then I would suggest driving it. Keep in mind a small glitch such as an oxygen sensor that is getting old and is not regulating the proper exhaust readings as fast as it should could cause this light to come on. That would be considered a simple solution fix and could be possibly driven a long time with out any kind of service or repairs. Most mechanics would call this an intermittent problem.
If the car is drivable and you are in a hurry you would want consider pulling into your nearest auto parts store. You might be wondering why I suggest you doing this. Well let me explain. Most major auto supply chains stores offer a free diagnostic check which includes hooking up their scan tool under your dash and pulling a code from your PCM to find out just why your check engine light came on. I have noticed the parts store guys look forward to using their scanner and performing this check for you very quickly. I think they just want to get out of their daily routines and actually help people in need. It is a great feeling for them! So do not feel you are asking to much from them. Besides they are also thinking they can maybe make a quick sale and impress the boss. Of course there are down sides to their free service too. They are not properly trained to diagnose and fix a real problem. They can only speculate and make a guess to you as to what is causing your problem. Briefly, let me explain what I mean. For instance if they pull a throttle position sensor code they might suggest to you that you need to purchase one from them and install it your self. In reality a proper sequence needs to be followed to accurately diagnose what kind of problem the throttle position sensor is having. It would involve at least an hour of diagnostic time using special equipment and tools to verify the TPS is the actual problem.
I hope this content will educate you, the consumer a little bit more on what it means when that pesky check engine light comes on unexpectedly. My over all suggestion would be to take it to a reputable repair shop who is known for good honest work. Make sure the mechanic working on your car is ASE Certified in preferably Engine Performance.
